Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Competitiveness

FAO and IICA partnered to strengthen the production and market access capacity of the Dominica Beekeepers Cooperative Society

Tiempo de lectura: 3 mins.

The project was to build capacity of farmers organization in six Caribbean countries including Dominica

DOminica2

Roseau, March 11, 2021(IICA) – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), partnered in the implementation of a regional project, intended to support specific activities of the Global Action Programme on Food Security and Nutrition in Small Island Developing States. The key objective of the project was to build capacity of farmers organization in six Caribbean countries including Dominica. The Project was funded by FAO with IICA being responsible for implementing activities in the countries. A key output under the project was a mapping and assessment of capacity, of two producer groups in each of the six countries.  One of the two producer groups selected in Dominica was the Dominica Beekeepers Cooperative, an organization that IICA has worked with over the years.

Under the project, emphasis was placed on addressing some of the main challenges faced by members of the Beekeepers Cooperative including deficiencies in the area of marketing of their products and the need for bee supplements to improve product quality.  Consequently, the collaborating agencies proceeded to source supplements to sustain the beehives in the form of Bee Patties which are a high protein pollen substitute for bees.  It is anticipated that the supplement will sustain the beehives during the rainy season when there is a significant reduction in the pollen supply.  The result is that the beekeepers will have adequate supply of food for the bees, thereby sustaining honey production year-round and contributing to increased resilience in the apiculture industry.   Overall, it is hoped that the FAO and IICA will continue to support the industry and this intervention will result in not only continued domestic supply but also the exploration of increased intra-regional trade opportunities.  In a recent meeting among IICA technicians from across the region, the focus on supporting the efforts of producers to find regional markets was highlighted.  Allister Glean, Technical Specialist with IICA, committed to working with Mr. Kent Coipel to support the producers in this thrust. 

Dominica 3

A handing over ceremony took place on Tuesday, 10th February during which 11 beekeepers received Bee Patties in the first instance.   Present at the handing over ceremony were: Mr. Kent Coipel, Technical Specialist of the IICA Delegation in Dominica; Mr. Ryan Anselm, Local FAO Correspondent and Technical Officer for Projects and Services in the Ministry of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and Food Security; Dr. Lennox St. Aimee, Veterinary Officer; Dr. Natalia Lugay, Agricultural Officer II (Acting); and recipients of the Bee Patties. Mr. Kent Coipel in delivering brief remarks welcomed the collaboration between IICA and FAO in supporting the Dominica Beekeepers Cooperative in their efforts to strengthen production and market access capacity and achieve increased resilience and sustainability of the apiculture industry in the country. Mr. Coipel urged members of the cooperative to work closely together to further strengthen the organization and coordinate activities in the interest of all members. Mr. Ryan Anselm indicated that the collaboration between IICA and FAO served as an example of what could be achieved when key agencies work together towards a common objective. Mr. Anselm pledged the continued support of FAO and the Ministry towards the development of the apiculture industry.

 

More information:

Institutional Communication Division

comunicacion.institucional@iica.int

Share

Related news​

San José, Costa Rica

July 18, 2025

IICA will co-organize Caribbean Week of Agriculture, to be held in Saint Kitts and Nevis in September, with a focus on building resilience

“Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience: Transforming our Caribbean Food Systems for 2025 and Beyond” is the title of the 19th edition of Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), which is scheduled to take place in Saint Kitts and Nevis this year, from September 29 to October 3.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

San José, Costa Rica

July 18, 2025

IICA celebrates “Digital Agriculture Days” to drive agricultural transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean

The 2025 Digital Agriculture Week will take place at IICA Headquarters in San José, Costa Rica, from September 22 to 25.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins

San José, Costa Rica

July 16, 2025

FONTAGRO and IICA launch the “LATAM 2025 Agro-bioentrepreneurship with Impact” competition to promote agricultural innovation in Latin America

This competition is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to improve their projects, and is designed to strengthen the region’s bio-entrepreneurial ecosystem by promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among the participants.

Tiempo de lectura: 3mins